Here is a summary of the latest police and emergency services news on the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island.

SAPOL launches new jet skis to patrol SA waterways

Two new jet skis have recently joined the South Australia Police fleet to improve our Water Operations Unit capability.

On Tuesday 6 October two new jet skis were launched at Thebarton Police Barracks. 

The new jet skis will be used by SAPOL’s water operations team and will further enhance SAPOL’s search and rescue capability. The jet skis will also be deployed in inland waterways, rivers and near coastal areas for marine compliance checking.

Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services Vincent Tarzia says: “The addition of this new increased capability will give police officers greater agility during water emergencies.”

“The jet skis will also be utilised to complete safety checks on boats and other watercraft as a preventive measure, which will be vital over the coming summer.”

Speaking on the jet skis, Operations Manager, Water Operations Unit, Senior Sergeant Philip Grear says, “We know that many South Australians enjoy getting out into our rivers and coastal areas. The new Police jet skis will enhance our capacity to keep our waterways safe and to undertake search and rescue activities swiftly”.

“The jet skis will be used by highly trained SAPOL personnel as needed and will monitor improper use of our water ways, particularly in relation to jet skis which we know are commonly misused on South Australian rivers.”

Updated COVID-19 Directions 2020 – Public Activities No 10

The Emergency Management (Public Activities No 9) (COVID-19) Direction 2020 has been revoked and replaced by the Emergency Management (Public Activities No 10) (COVID-19) Direction 2020. This new Direction comes into effect as of 0001 Saturday 3 October 2020.

The new Direction provides an update to the restrictions currently in to allow standing consumption of food and beverages in outdoor areas, provisions for dancing and drinking at prescribed events and restrictions to holiday accommodation.

Standing consumption of food and beverages 

Food and beverages are now able to be consumed vertically in an outdoor area.

Dancing and drinking previsions A gathering of 150 people at a wedding, funeral or private function at a ‘relevant licensed premises’ is permitted to have standing consumption of beverages and food as well as dancing whether indoor or outdoor. The density requirements of 1 person per 2 square metres must be adhered to.

A private function is an invitation only event in a designated area at a relevant licensed premises. A private function must have separate bathroom facilities where available and no public access.

Holiday accommodation restrictions Caravan parks and camping grounds are only permitted to have up to 6 people over the age of 16yrs staying at each site with up to 6 visitors. Houseboats and short term accommodation venues are permitted to have the maximum number of people permitted to sleep at the premises plus six visitors.

It is acknowledged that many restrictions still apply, but they are critical in dealing with the spread of COVID-19.

All existing directions, frequently asked questions and other information can be found here: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/emergency-declarations.

For further information please call the SA COVID-19 Information Line on 1800 253 787 between the hours of 9am to 5pm 7 days per week or go to the SA Health website at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au or www.sa.gov.au/covid-19